Adjustable Heart Valve Implant

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for repairing a heart valve, such as a mitral, tricuspid or aortic valve, using an adjustable and removable implant that can be delivered to the heart through the apex in a simplified and non-invasive manner. The implant can include a prosthetic valve portion coupled to a proximal end of a shaft, and an anchor portion coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The prosthetic valve can be suspended within an opening of the heart valve while the anchor portion is affixed to the apex of the heart. When the implant is deployed, a distance between the prosthetic valve portion and the anchor portion can be adjusted, and/or the implant or a portion thereof can be rotated to thereby change the position of the prosthetic valve within the heart valve. This can allow correcting for post-implantation movements of the implant to mitigate potential complications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/852,658, filed Dec. 22, 2017, and entitled “Adjustable HeartValve Implant,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/541,601, filed Nov. 14, 2014, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,848,880, and entitled “Adjustable Heart Valve Implant,” which claimspriority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 61/906,727, filedNov. 20, 2013, and entitled “Surgical Implant Devices, Systems, andMethods,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

Systems and methods are provided for repairing heart valves usingadjustable heart valve implants.

BACKGROUND

A human heart is a vital part of the body having four chambers, the leftand right atria and the left and right ventricles. The chambersalternately expand and contract to pump blood through the body. Eachchamber of the heart includes a heart valve that, when functioningproperly, controls the flow of blood in only one direction through theheart. However, the heart valve can become diseased or otherwisedeficient such that it fails to close properly during the contraction ofthe lower chamber.

Mitral regurgitation is an insufficiency of a mitral valve which occurswhen the mitral valve separating the left atrium and the left ventricledoes not close properly when the heart pumps out blood. As a result,upon contraction of the left ventricle, blood may abnormally leak(regurgitate) from the left ventricle back into the left atrium, ratherthan flowing properly to the aorta. Mitral regurgitation can causedilation of the left-sided heart chambers which, if left untreated, canultimately lead to potentially fatal heart-rhythm disturbances and heartfailure.

Another common heart disorder is aortic insufficiency, such as, forexample, aortic stenosis in which the aortic valve located between theleft ventricle and the aorta can become abnormally narrowed orconstricted (stenotic) and therefore does not open fully. This candecrease the blood flow from the heart and lead to serious heartcomplications.

Heart valve regurgitation and other heart valve conditions can be causedby a variety of disorders and often require a surgical interventioninvolving replacement of a natural heart valve or heart replacement. Anopen heart procedure has been typically performed to surgically repairor replace a diseased or deficient heart valve using, for example, aprosthetic heart valve. However, an open heart surgery has significantrisks and can lead to many complications. Moreover, some patients (e.g.,children, elderly, patients with chronic conditions, etc.) can be atparticular risk for open heart surgery and cannot be treated using thisapproach.

More recent approaches have been developed that aim at avoiding invasivevalve repair or replacement surgeries by delivering a prosthetic valveusing a catheter. However, a natural heart valve, such as a mitralvalve, has a complicated anatomy and deforms in a complicated mannerwith the cardiac rhythm. The existing approaches do not adequately mimicthe functionality of the mitral valve and may not address such potentialissues as, for example, tissue damage, cardiac remodelling andparavalvular leaking. Furthermore, the techniques developed up-to-datemay not provide adequate ways for replacing a heart valve implant afterits deployment.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods and systems fordelivering prosthetic heart valves in a non-invasive manner.

SUMMARY

A method of repairing a mitral valve is provided that in someembodiments includes advancing an outer shaft of an introducer assemblythrough an apex of a heart into a left atrium of the heart, deploying aprosthetic valve portion of an implant from the outer shaft in the leftatrium such that the prosthetic valve portion moves from an unexpandedconfiguration to an expanded configuration and at least one positioningmember on the prosthetic valve portion is disposed on opposite sides ofan opening of the mitral valve to suspend the prosthetic valve portionwithin the opening of the mitral valve, retracting the outer shaft fromthe left atrium towards the apex of the heart such that an inner shaftof the introducer assembly and at least a portion of an anchor portionof the implant are exposed, and deploying proximal and distal deployablewings on the anchor portion to engage tissue therebetween to removablyaffix the anchor portion to the apex of the heart. The outer shaft canbe advanced through the apex of the heart into the left atrium bydirectly puncturing the apex of the heart with a leading end of theintroducer assembly. Removably affixing the anchor portion to the apexof the heart results in closure of the apex puncture.

The method can vary in any number of ways. In some embodiments, theinner shaft can include an adjustable tether configured to couple theprosthetic valve portion to the anchor portion. The tether can becoupled to the anchor portion using a tether lock. A portion of thetether can be retracted proximal to the proximal end of the anchorportion prior to attaching the tether to the anchor portion using thetether lock. In some embodiments, the tether lock can be recessed into abody of the anchor portion so as not to protrude into the pericardialspace. In some embodiments, the tether can be formed of an absorbable ornon-absorbable suture. In other embodiments, the tether can include awire suture (e.g., a metal suture), or it can be formed from any othermaterials. The tether can have one or more portions.

The method can further include adjusting a distance between theprosthetic valve portion and the anchor portion of the implant. In someembodiments, the distance can be adjusted using the adjustable tethercoupling prosthetic valve portion to the anchor portion. The method canalso include accessing a proximal end of the anchor portion with anadjustment tool and employing the adjustment tool to adjust thedistance. The proximal end of the anchor portion can be accessedpercutaneously. The distance can be adjusted by retractably moving theinner shaft with respect to the anchor portion. The length of the innershaft can be adjusted prior to affixing the anchor portion within theapex of the heart.

In some embodiments, the method can further include rotating a portionof the prosthetic valve portion suspended within the opening of themitral valve. The method can further additionally or alternativelyinclude rotating the implant when the prosthetic valve portion issuspended within the opening of the mitral valve. The method can furtherinclude removing the outer shaft.

In some embodiments, deploying the prosthetic valve portion can includedeploying the prosthetic valve portion from the outer shaft in the leftatrium, and subsequently retracting the outer shaft from the left atriumto engage the at least one positioning member with the mitral valve.

The prosthetic valve portion of the implant can have any number ofvariations. For example, in some embodiments, the prosthetic valveportion can include an expandable frame and the at least one positioningmember can include an expandable ring circumferentially disposed at anend of the expandable frame. The method can include adjusting a diameterof the expandable frame after the prosthetic valve portion is deployed.In embodiments in which the inner shaft includes an adjustable tether,the diameter of the expandable frame can be adjusted by adjusting alength of the tether or otherwise manipulating the tether.

In some embodiments, the method can further include determining aposition of the prosthetic valve portion using at least one radiopaquemarker associated with the prosthetic valve portion.

The proximal and distal deployable wings can vary in any number of ways.For example, in some embodiments, the proximal and distal deployablewings can be deployed within tissue of the apex of the heart. In otherembodiments, the proximal and distal deployable wings can be deployed atopposite sides of a wall of the apex of the heart. In some embodiments,deploying the proximal and distal deployable wings can include deployingthe distal wings and, after the distal wings are deployed, retractingthe outer shaft proximally away from the prosthetic valve body to deploythe proximal wings. In some embodiments, the distal wings can bedeployed against the wall of the apex of the heart and the proximalwings can be deployed within the tissue. In other embodiments, theproximal wings can be deployed against the wall of the apex of the heartand the distal wings are deployed within the tissue.

In some embodiments, the method can further include mating a proximalend of the anchor portion with an actuator tool, deploying the actuatortool to move the proximal and distal wings from a deployed configurationto an undeployed configuration, advancing the introducer assembly overthe actuator tool towards the prosthetic valve portion, deploying theactuator tool to move the prosthetic valve portion from the expandedconfiguration to the unexpanded configuration, and removing theprosthetic valve portion in the unexpanded configuration from the leftatrium through the introducer assembly. The method can further include,after removing the prosthetic valve portion from the introducer sheath,retracting the introducer assembly towards the apex of the heart,inserting a second closure device into the sheath and deploying secondproximal and distal wings of a second closure device to engage tissuetherebetween at the puncture hole of the apex of the heart.

In other aspects, a method of repairing a heart valve is provided thatin some embodiments can include delivering an outer shaft of anintroducer assembly through an apex of a heart into an atrium of theheart, deploying a prosthetic valve from the outer shaft in the atriumsuch that the prosthetic valve moves from an unexpanded configuration toan expanded configuration and at least one positioning member on theprosthetic valve is disposed above an opening of the heart valve tosuspend a body of the prosthetic valve within the opening, retractingthe outer shaft from the atrium towards the apex of the heart such thatthe suture tether or inner shaft coupled to and extending between theprosthetic valve and an anchor is exposed, removably affixing the anchorto the apex of the heart, and adjusting a distance between theprosthetic valve and the anchor.

The method can vary in any number of ways. For example, in someembodiments, the inner shaft can include an adjustable tether, such as aflexible suture tether. In such embodiments, the distance between theprosthetic valve and the anchor can be adjusted by altering a length ofthe tether. For example, the tether can be retracted proximally.

In some embodiments, the method can further include removing the outershaft through the apex of the heart. In some embodiments, the distancebetween the prosthetic valve and the anchor can be adjusted after theanchor is affixed to the apex of the heart. Removably affixing theanchor to the apex of the heart can include deploying proximal anddistal deployable wings of the anchor to engage tissue therebetween.

The method can further include rotating the body of the prosthetic valvebody within the opening of the heart valve. The heart valve can includea mitral valve and the atrium can include a left atrium. The method canfurther include removing the prosthetic valve from the atrium throughthe outer shaft.

In yet another aspect, a system for repairing a heart valve is providedthat in some embodiments includes an outer shaft and an implant disposedwithin the outer shaft, the implant including an inner shaft, aprosthetic valve coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft and having aprosthetic valve body and at least one positioning member, theprosthetic valve being configured to be distally advanced from the outershaft such that the prosthetic valve moves from an unexpandedconfiguration, and the at least one positioning member being configuredto suspend the prosthetic valve within an opening in tissue, and ananchor portion coupled to a proximal end of the inner shaft andconfigured to be removably affixed to tissue. A distance between theprosthetic valve and the anchor portion can be adjustable.

The system can vary in any number of ways. For example, in someembodiments, the prosthetic valve body can include prosthetic valveleaflets and the at least one positioning member can include at leasttwo arms coupled to the prosthetic valve body. In other embodiments, theprosthetic valve body can include an expandable frame and the at leastone positioning member can include an expandable ring circumferentiallydisposed at a distal end of the expandable frame.

The anchor portion can vary in any number of ways. For example, theanchor portion can include proximal and distal deployable wingsconfigured to engage tissue therebetween.

In yet another aspect, a system for repairing a heart valve is providedthat in some embodiments can include an outer shaft and an implantdisposed within the outer shaft, the implant including one or moretethers, a prosthetic valve coupled to a distal end of the one or moretethers and having a prosthetic valve body and at least one positioningmember, the prosthetic valve being configured to be distally advancedfrom the outer shaft such that the prosthetic valve moves from anunexpanded configuration, and the at least one positioning member beingconfigured to suspend the prosthetic valve within an opening in tissue,and an anchor portion coupled to a proximal end of the one or moretethers and configured to be removably affixed to tissue. A distancebetween the prosthetic valve and the anchor portion can be adjustable.

The system can vary in any number of ways. For example, the one or moretethers can be flexible tethers. The flexible tethers can be formed froma suture. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve body includesprosthetic valve leaflets and the at least one positioning member caninclude at least two arms coupled to the prosthetic valve body. In otherembodiments, the prosthetic valve body includes an expandable frame andthe at least one positioning member can include an expandable ringcircumferentially disposed at a distal end of the expandable frame.

The anchor portion can vary in any number of ways. For example, theanchor portion can include proximal and distal deployable wingsconfigured to engage tissue therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described above will be more fully understood from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. The drawings are not intended to be drawn toscale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled inevery drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an implant in accordance with some embodimentshaving a prosthetic valve portion in an undeployed configuration;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the implant of FIG. 1A having proximal anddistal wings deployed;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the implant of FIGS. 1A and 1B having theprosthetic valve portion in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the implant of FIG. 2A having proximal anddistal wings deployed;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an enlarged view of a prostheticvalve portion in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the implant of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a side perspective view of the implant of FIG. 4A showing theimplant coupled to an actuator tool, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of the implant of FIG. 4A showingdeployable wings;

FIG. 5B is another side perspective view of the implant of FIG. 4Ashowing deployable wings;

FIG. 5C is a side view of an implant in accordance with some embodimentshaving a prosthetic valve portion in an undeployed configuration andproximal and distal wings deployed;

FIG. 5D is another side view of the implant of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 5E is another side view of the implant of FIG. 5C having theprosthetic valve portion in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 5F is a side view of the implant of FIG. 5E showing the proximaland distal wings deployed;

FIG. 5G is a side view of another implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 5H is a side view of another implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a method ofdelivering and deploying an implant in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6B is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6C is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6D is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6E is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6F is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6G is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6H is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6I is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6J is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof delivering and deploying an implant in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a method ofadjusting the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 7B is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof adjusting the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a method ofremoving the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 8B is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof removing the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 8C is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof removing the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 8D is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof removing the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 8E is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof removing the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 8F is another cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a methodof removing the implant deployed as shown in FIGS. 6A-6J, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a heart illustrating a method ofsealing the site of implantation of the implant, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 9B is another cross-sectional view of the heart illustrating amethod of sealing the site of implantation of the implant, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 9C is another cross-sectional view of the heart illustrating amethod of sealing the site of implantation of the implant, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 9D is another cross-sectional view of the heart illustrating amethod of sealing the site of implantation of the implant, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 9E is another cross-sectional view of the heart illustrating amethod of sealing the site of implantation of the implant, in accordancewith some embodiments; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heart with the implant of FIGS.4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, and 5B deployed in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the devices and methodsdisclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the devices and methods specifically described hereinand illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplaryembodiments and that the scope of the present invention is definedsolely by the claims. Further, the features illustrated or described inconnection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with thefeatures of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Methods and devices are provided for repairing and replacing heartvalves. In particular, the described techniques utilize a system fordelivering an adjustable implant into a heart valve that includes aprosthetic valve portion configured to be positioned within an openingof a natural heart valve, such as a mitral valve, a tricuspid valve, oran aortic valve, and an anchor portion configured to secure the implantto an apex of the heart. The prosthetic valve can have a configurationthat allows it to be removably suspended within an opening of a diseasedor defective heart valve such that the prosthetic valve can repairabnormalities of the heart valve or completely replace the diseasedvalve.

In certain exemplary methods, the implant can be delivered to the heartvalve through the apex of the heart. The transapical delivery allowsdelivering the implant in a minimally invasive manner, for example,percutaneously, which may allow high risk patients to be treated. Insome cases, even a relatively non-invasive minithoracotomy procedure canbe avoided. No additional sutures (e.g., purse-string sutures) arerequired to be placed in the apex, which can reduce trauma to cardiactissue and thus decrease a risk of complications.

Furthermore, after the implant has been deployed within the heart, adistance between the prosthetic valve portion and anchor portion can beadjusted. In some embodiments, the implant or a portion thereof can berotated. The adjustment can be performed in a non-invasive or minimallyinvasive manner and can allow reducing or eliminating potentialpost-implantation complications such as, for example paravalvular leaks,cardiac remodelling (undesirable structural modifications of tissue) andother potential conditions, without removing the implant from theimplantation site. The deployed implant can be moved to an undeployedconfiguration and removed from the implantation site in a simple manner.Accordingly, the implant placement procedure in accordance with thedescribed embodiments can be simple, repeatable, cost-effective, and itcauses less discomfort to a patient.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a system 100 for repairing a heart valve inaccordance with one embodiment. The system 100 may include an implant102 and an outer shaft 104 which can define a lumen extendingtherethrough configured to slidably receive the implant 102 therein. Theouter shaft 104 can be a part of the introducer assembly configured todeliver the implant 102 into the heart. The outer shaft 104 is shown inFIG. 1A by way of example as a component separate from the implant 102,to illustrate that the outer shaft 104 is configured to removablyreceive the implant 102. The outer shaft 104 can be an elongate tubularmember configured to be inserted into a heart through the apex.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the implant 102 can include a prosthetic valveportion 106, an inner shaft 108, and an anchor portion 110. Theprosthetic valve portion 106 can be coupled at a proximal end 105thereof to a distal end 112 of the inner shaft 108, and the anchorportion 110 can be coupled to a proximal end 114 of the inner shaft 108.As used herein, the term “proximal” end or portion refers to an end orportion that is nearest to a person operating the outer shaft 106 (e.g.,using a suitable actuator tool), and the term “distal” end or portionrefers to an end or portion that is closer to a forward end 103 of theimplant 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner shaft 108 can have distal,middle, and proximal portions 116, 118, 120, which can be configured toslidably and fixedly mate with each other. For example, at least aportion of the distal portion 116 can be configured to be slidablyreceived within the middle portion 118. In some embodiments, asdiscussed in more detail below, the inner shaft 108 can be formed froman absorbable or non-absorbable suture extending between the prostheticvalve portion 106 and the anchor portion 110. The suture may furtherextend through the anchor portion 110. In some embodiments, at least aportion of the middle portion 118 of the inner shaft 108 can beconfigured to be slidably received within the proximal portion 120. Inthis way, a distance between the distal and proximal ends 112, 114 ofthe inner shaft 108 can be adjustable. A screw mechanism or any othersuitable mechanism can be used to adjust a length of the inner shaft108. The proximal portion 120 of the inner shaft 108 can be configuredto mate on an inner surface thereof with a suitable tool that can bemanipulated to adjust the length of the inner shaft 108.

In some embodiments, a diameter of the proximal portion 120 can belarger than diameter(s) of the distal and middle portions 116, 118. Thedistal and middle portions 116, 118 can have diameter(s) that areappropriate for implantation within a chamber of the heart. The anchorportion 110 can be sized appropriately so as to close a hole or puncturein the apex of the heart. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximalportion 120 is mated with the anchor portion 110 and is the same orsimilar in size (e.g., diameter) to the anchor portion 110. However, inother embodiments, the diameter of the proximal portion 120 can besmaller than that of the anchor portion 110. The distal, middle, andproximal portions 116, 118, 120 can have any suitable lengths. In someembodiments, one or more portions of the inner shaft 108 can berotatable with respect to other portions. For example, the distal andmiddle portions 116, 118 can be configured to be able to rotate withrespect to the proximal portion 120. This can allow adjusting theimplant 102 by rotating the prosthetic valve 106 or the entire implant102 after it has been deployed. A person skilled in the art willappreciate that the inner shaft 108 can have various configurations andcan include any number of components, as the embodiments describedherein are not limited in this respect.

The anchor portion, which is configured to function as a closure deviceused for closing a hole or puncture in tissue, can also have a varietyof configurations. As shown in FIG. 1A, the anchor portion 110 caninclude distal, middle, and proximal portions 122, 124, 126. The distalportion 122 of the anchor portion 110 can be coupled to the proximal end114 of the inner shaft 108. The distal and proximal portions 122, 126 ofthe anchor portion 110 can be configured to expand to form deployablewings 128, 130 shown in FIG. 1B. The deployed wings 128, 130 can bemaintained in the expanded configuration until the anchor portion 110 ismanipulated to cause the wings 128, 130 to collapse to the undeployedconfiguration. It should be appreciated that the implant 102 can includeany other components not shown herein that are configured such that theanchor portion 110 can reversibly form the wings 128, 130.

In some embodiments, which are discussed in more detail below, the innershaft 108 can include one or more adjustable tethers (e.g., suture orsuture-like tether(s)) extending between the prosthetic valve portionand the anchor portion. In such embodiments, the implant 102 canadditionally or alternatively include components to provide a tetherlock or clamp. This lock can be used to reversibly couple the one ormore tethers to the implant 102 following adjustment of a length of thetether(s).

In some embodiments, the implant 102 can include components configuredas described at least in U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,392 entitled “Wound closuredevices and methods,” issued Dec. 1, 2009, U.S. Pat. No. 8,197,498entitled “Gastric bypass devices and procedures,” issued Jun. 12, 2012,U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0105733, entitled“Anastomosis devices and methods,” filed Oct. 22, 2007, and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2013/0165963, entitled “Devices and methodsfor occluding or promoting fluid flow,” filed Dec. 21, 2011, thecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

The prosthetic valve portion 106 can also have a variety ofconfigurations that allow it to be inserted into a heart through theouter shaft 104. For example, the prosthetic valve 106 can be configuredsuch that it can move between unexpanded and expanded configurations. InFIGS. 1A and 1B, the prosthetic valve portion 106 is shown in theunexpanded configuration.

An embodiment of the prosthetic valve portion 106 in the expandedconfiguration is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A showsthe implant 102 with the wings 128, 130 undeployed, whereas FIG. 2Bshows an example with the wings 128, 130 of the implant 102 deployed. Asschematically shown in FIG. 2B, a proximal end 132 of the anchor portion110 can be configured to mate with an actuator tool 134 that can be usedto manipulate the inner shaft 108 to adjust a length thereof. The sameor different tool can be configured to mate with the anchor portion 110through its proximal end 132 to deploy the wings 128, 130. Moreover, asuitable actuator tool can be mated with the anchor portion 110 to causethe deployed wings 128, 130 to revert to the undeployed configuration.

In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve portion can include aprosthetic valve body and at least one positioning member configured tosuspend the prosthetic valve portion within an opening of a heart valve.As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the prosthetic valve portion 106 caninclude a valve body 202 and positioning members 204A, 204B coupledthereto. In this example, the positioning members 204A, 204B can be inthe form of positioning arms extending in opposite directions from thevalve body 202. The prosthetic valve portion 106 can also include avalve shaft 207 extending between the proximal end 105 of the prostheticvalve portion 106 and the distal tip 103 of the implant 102.

As shown in FIG. 3 illustrating an enlarged view of the prosthetic valvebody portion 106, the valve body 202 can include a spine 205 coupled tothe distal end 112 of the inner shaft 108 and leaflets 206A, 206Bhingeably coupled to the spine 205. The leaflets 206A, 206B can beflexibly coupled to the spine 205 such that they can pivot or flap withrespect to the spine 205 as the heart contracts and relaxes. In someembodiments, the leaflets 206A, 206B can come together at one end toform a spine such that opposite ends of the leaflets can be configuredto pivot or flap with respect to the spine. The leaflets 206A, 206B canhave any suitable dimensions that allow them to mimic the function of anative heart valve. The leaflets 206A, 206B, which can be elastic, canbe made from any suitable biological or synthetic material, or anycombination thereof.

The prosthetic valve portion 106, when deployed within the heart, canmove from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration. Insome embodiments, the valve body 202 having the positioning members204A, 204B and leaflets 206A, 206B coupled thereto can slide over thevalve shaft 207 such that the positioning members 204A, 204B andleaflets 206A, 206B can fold and unfold in an umbrella-like fashion. Forexample, in the unexpanded configuration, a member 212 located at theproximal end 105 of the prosthetic portion 106 can be pushed in anysuitable manner (e.g., by an outer shaft used to insert the implant tothe implantation site, discussed below) which can cause the leaflets206A, 206B and positioning members 204A, 204B to move outward and thusunfold. Similarly, when the prosthetic valve portion 106 is in theexpanded configuration, the member 212 can be pushed or otherwiseactuated (e.g., pulled) depending on its configuration to cause thepositioning members 204A, 204B and leaflets 206A, 206A to move inwardand fold.

The prosthetic value portion 106 can be used to mitigate abnormalitiesof a diseased heart valve and/or it can entirely replace the naturalheart valve by mimicking operation of the valve. For example, when theimplant 102 is used to repair a diseased mitral valve, as the leftventricle contracts (ejecting oxygen-rich blood throughout the body) anda healthy mitral valve would close, the leaflets 206A, 206B can bespaced apart with respect to the longitudinal axis B 209 of the implant102 to ensure a proper closure of the diseased mitral valve to therebyprevent an undesirable backflow of blood (regurgitation) into the leftatrium. When the left ventricle relaxes and the mitral valve opens toallow the blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, theleaflets 206A, 206B can be maintained close together without interferingwith the blood flow.

The positioning members 204A, 204B can be coupled to the spine 205. Forexample, in some embodiments, the positioning members 204A, 204B can beformed integrally with the spine 205. However, it should be appreciatedthat the positioning members 204A, 204B can be coupled to the spine 205or other portion of the prosthetic valve portion 106 in any suitablemanner, as embodiments are not limited in this respect.

The positioning members 204A, 204B can have any suitable configuration.For example, the positioning members 204A, 204B can be formed from oneor more elongate wires having a shape that allows the positioningmembers 204A, 204B to retain the prosthetic valve portion 106 within amitral valve. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, each of thepositioning members 204A, 204B can form a shoulder having a straight orflat portion (302A, 302B) extending from and coupled to the spine 205and a curved portion (304A, 304B) coupled to the flat portion (302A,302B). The straight or flat portions 302A, 302B can be formed fromseparate wires or other elements, or, in some cases, they can be formedfrom the same element (e.g., wire or other material(s)). Each of theportions 302A, 302B can be coupled to the spine 205 at the portion 208thereof, at shown in FIG. 3. It should be appreciated that the portions302A, 302B may not necessarily be straight or flat along their entirelengths and can have other suitable shapes.

In the example of FIG. 3, the curved portions 304A, 304B can behalf-U-shaped portions coupled to the portions 302A, 302B at tops of the“half-Us” formed by the curved portions 304A, 304B. In some embodiments,the curved portions 304A, 304B can be integrally formed with the flatportions 302A, 302B. FIG. 3 shows the curved portions 304A, 304B thatare curved outwardly away from the longitudinal axis B 209 of theimplant 102. However, other configurations of the curved portions 304A,304B can be utilized as well. The positioning members 204A, 204B orpart(s) thereof (e.g., curved portions 304A, 304B) can be at leastpartially flexible to accommodate anatomical features of an annulus of aheart valve which the positioning members 204A, 204B are configured toengage. The length of the positioning members 204A, 204B can correspondto the diameter of the annulus of the heart valve such that the members204A, 204B extend beyond the valve opening.

In some embodiments, the positioning members 204A, 204B can havesuitable features configured to facilitate engaging tissue above theopening of the heart valve. However, regardless of a specificconfiguration of the positioning members 204A, 204B, they can beconfigured to engage the tissue in an atraumatic manner to decrease oreliminate damage to the tissue.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the prosthetic valve portion 106 is in theexpanded configuration, the positioning members 204A, 204B can beconfigured to extend in the opposite directions from the portion 208 ofthe spine 205 along an axis that is perpendicular or approximatelyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis A (indicated by a numericalreference 203 in FIG. 3) of the spine 205. It should be appreciated thatthe positioning members 204A, 204B can have any suitable shape thatallows them to suspend the prosthetic valve portion 106 within a heartvalve, and the shape of the positioning members 204A, 204B in FIGS. 2A,2B, and FIG. 3 is shown by way of example only. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the prosthetic valve portion can include more than twopositioning members having any suitable configuration. For example, insome embodiments, additional positioning members similar to the members204A, 204B can extend from the spine 205 in the same plane at themembers 204A, 204B, at different angles from the members 204A, 204B. Inaddition, in some embodiments, a single positioning member can beemployed.

Regardless of the specific configuration of the positioning members204A, 204B and the way in which they are coupled to the spine 205, thepositioning members 204A, 204B can be foldably coupled to the spine 205such that, when the prosthetic valve portion 106 moves from theunexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration (e.g., when theimplant 102 is deployed), the positioning members 204A, 204B can beunfolded to extend at the opposite sides of the valve body 202 as shownin FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3. When the prosthetic valve portion 106 moves fromthe expanded configuration to the unexpanded configuration (e.g., whenthe implant 102 is undeployed to be subsequently removed from theimplantation site) shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the positioning members204A, 204B can be folded such that they extend along the sides of theleaflets 206A, 206B which can also be configured to be folded in theundeployed position. In some embodiments, one or more portions of theprosthetic valve portion 106 can be stretchable such that the prostheticvalve portion 106 in the expanded configuration, when pulled proximally,can collapse like an umbrella.

In some embodiments, the implant (e.g., one or more positioning membersand/or other elements of the implant) can have associated therewith oneor more markers that may be used to determine a location of theprosthetic valve portion within the heart in a non-invasive manner. Themarkers can be useful to ensure proper positioning of the prostheticvalve portion during delivering of the implant into the heart and whenthe position of the prosthetic valve portion or the entire implant isadjusted. The markers can be radiopaque elements (e.g., made fromplatinum, gold, silver, tungsten, or tantalum) having any suitable shapeand size (e.g., rings or other elements) that are visible usingultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography (CT) or any other suitableimaging technique. However, it should be appreciated that any othersuitable types of markers can be utilized, including, in some cases,radiolucent markers.

FIG. 3 shows that the prosthetic valve portion 106 can include markers210A, 210B on ends of positioning members 204A, 204B. A member 212located at the proximal end 105 of the prosthetic portion 106 can alsohave coupled thereto markers 212A and 212B. Additionally oralternatively, one or both of the leaflets 206A, 206B can have markerscoupled thereto. In FIG. 3, a marker 213 coupled to an edge of theleaflet 206A is shown by way of example. It should be appreciated,however, that one or more markers can be coupled to one or both leaflets206A, 206B at any location on a surface thereof. Furthermore, in someembodiments, a part or the entire area of the spine 205 or other portionof the prosthetic valve 106 can be radiopaque or otherwise detectableusing various imaging techniques to additionally facilitate thedetermination of the location of the prosthetic valve.

The manner in which the markers are positioned can depend on aconfiguration of the prosthetic valve portion and any other factors.Regardless of the way in which the markers of a suitable size and shapeare positioned on one or more portions of the implant described herein,the markers can be used to track a position of the implant and/orportions thereof when the implant is in use. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the markers may be omitted, and the position of the implantcan be determined in any suitable manner, as embodiments describedherein are not limited in this respect.

The implants in accordance with some embodiments can include aprosthetic valve portion having any suitable configuration. For example,in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, an implant 402 caninclude a prosthetic valve portion 406 including a valve body 427comprising an expandable/collapsible frame. The frame 427 can haveproximal and distal portions 432, 434, with the proximal portion 432coupled to a distal end 412 of an inner shaft 408 having distal andproximal ends 412, 414. The inner shaft 408 can have a distal portion416, a middle portion 418, and a proximal portion 420 coupled to ananchor portion 410. In some embodiments, the inner shaft 408 can beconfigured as one or more tethers (e.g., formed from one or moresutures) that extend between the distal end of the prosthetic valveportion 406 and the anchor portion 410. The tethers can be slidablyconnected to the anchor portion 410, e.g., via a locking componentcoupled to the anchor 410, to allow adjusting a distance between theprosthetic valve portion 406 and the anchor portion 410 by adjusting alength of the tethers.

Similar to anchor portion 110 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the anchorportion 410 may include distal, middle, and proximal portions 422, 424,426, and the distal and proximal portions 422, 426 can be configured toexpand to form deployable wings 428, 430 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Thedeployable wings 428, 430 can be configured to form similar to thedeployable wings 128, 130, as shown in FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can have apositioning member 436 configured as a ring circumferentially coupled tothe distal portion 434 of the valve body 427. The positioning member 436can be coupled to the valve body 427 via legs 438 a-438 f which can bebent, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, so that the prosthetic valve portion 406conforms to the geometry and function of a native heart halve. It shouldbe appreciated that six legs 438 a-438 f are shown by way of exampleonly, as any suitable number of structural features of any suitable typecan be used to couple the positioning member 436 to the valve body 427.

It should also be appreciated that the positioning member 436 can beformed integrally with the valve body 427. The positioning member 436can have a configuration different from a ring and can additionally oralternatively include any number of features. For example, thepositioning member 436 can have multiple features disposedcircumferentially around the distal portion 434 of the valve body 427.In some embodiments (e.g., in which the positioning member 436 is formedintegrally with the valve body 427), the positioning member 436 can beformed from the same elements or segments as those used to form thevalve body 427. The positioning member 436 can be formed from elementsthat can terminate at a distal-most end of the member 436 as a ring oras multiple structures having any suitable shape(s).

In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can include aninsert (not shown) positioned inside a portion or an entire area of thevalve body 427 and/or the positioning member 436. The insert can bepositioned so that it lines the interior of the valve portion 406 andcan be used to provide additional integrity to the structure of theprosthetic valve portion 406 when it is in use. The insert can be formedfrom any suitable material. For example, the insert can be formed from anatural material, such as bovine and/or porcine pericardial tissue.Additionally or alternatively, the insert can be formed from a syntheticmaterial, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), or any other suitable material(s).

The valve body 427 can be mated to the inner shaft 408 via struts 440A,440B, 440C shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. It should be appreciated, however,that the valve body 427 can be mated to the inner shaft 408 using anynumber of any other structural elements. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,the distal end 412 of the inner shaft 408 can be configured to functionas a junction of the struts 440A, 440B, 440C where the struts 440A,440B, 440C are attached to the inner shaft 408. The 440A, 440B, 440C canbe attached to the junction fixedly or flexibly. For example, in someembodiments, the junction can be configured as a swivel joint or othersimilar mechanism that allows the valve body 427 to swivel or otherwisemove in any direction with respect to the junction, without disturbingor changing the orientation of the inner shaft 408 and the anchorportion 410 to which it is attached.

The prosthetic valve portion 406 can be self-expanding or expandableusing an additional device such that, in a pre-deployed configuration, adiameter of the prosthetic valve portion 406 allows it to be insertedinto an outer shaft of an introducer assembly (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4C)and delivered through the outer shaft into an area of the heart (e.g.,an atrium). When deployed, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can expandradially away from the distal end 412 of the inner shaft 408 andreversibly self-lock to remain in the expanded configuration to fit thegeometry of the heart valve. Prosthetic valve portion 406 can beconfigured to expand in a manner that prevents its upward and downwardmigration when the valve 406 is suspended within the opening of themitral valve. When deployed, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can expandand contract such that its diameter and the overall configuration changeto adapt to the dynamic geometric environment of the heart valve (e.g.,a mitral valve) as the heart pumps blood.

The positioning member 436 can be configured to be expandable in anysuitable manner. For example, portions of the ring-shaped positioningmember 436 between sites of attachment of legs 438 a-438 f cantelescopically slide over each other such that the positioning member436 can expand and contract. Regardless of its specific geometry and awire pattern, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can be configured toexpand and collapse in respective deployed and undeployedconfigurations.

Although not shown in FIGS. 4-5, in some embodiments, the prostheticvalve portion 406 or any other portion(s) of the implant 402 can includeone or more markers that can help determine a position of, for example,the prosthetic valve portion 406, and can therefore be used for guidinga cardiac surgeon/cardiologist through delivery, deployment, adjustmentand/or removal of the implant 402. Similarly to the markers described inconnection with the prosthetic valve portion 106, the markers positionedon the implant 402 can be radiopaque markers or markers otherwisedetectable using any suitable imaging technique. The markers can haveany suitable size and shape and can be positioned on the implant 402 inany suitable manner.

It should be appreciated that a specific wire pattern of the valve body427 comprising two rows of hexagonal elements is shown in the embodimentof FIGS. 4A-4C by way of example only. The frame can be formed from anynumber of any suitable circular, oval, ellipsoidal, or any other typesof elements or segments which can form any regular or irregularpatterns.

The prosthetic valve portion in accordance with the described techniquescan be flexible and it can maintain its structural integrity whichallows it to be ergonomic, conform to the structure of a native heartvalve, and mimic operation of the native valve. The prosthetic valveportion can have any suitable configuration which can depend on theanatomy of a heart valve, such as a mitral valve, a tricuspid valve, oran aortic valve. The prosthetic valve portion can be formed fromstainless steel, Nitinol®, or other biocompatible material(s). Forexample, Cu—Al—Ni alloys or other shape memory alloys can be used. Theprosthetic valve portion can also be formed from polymer(s). In someembodiments, one or more elements of the prosthetic valve portion can beflexible that allows the prosthetic valve portion to adapt to thedynamic geometric environment of the heart valve.

In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve portion can be configured suchthat it can be suspended within a heart valve using one or morepositioning members, with or without penetrating tissue. In the exampleillustrated in connection with FIGS. 4A to 4C, the positioning member436 can be configured to engage with an annulus of a heart valve suchthat the positioning member 436 is disposed above an opening of thevalve and the valve body 427 is suspended within the opening. Thepositioning member 436 can be configured to withstand dislodgment forcesthat can be exerted thereon (e.g., during systole) and to therebymaintain a proper position and reduce risks of migration of the valvebody 427 suspended within an opening of the natural heart valve (e.g.,the mitral valve).

As shown in FIG. 4C, the anchor portion 410 of the implant, which can bepositioned within the apex of the heart when the implant 402 is insertedinto the heart, can be removably mated with an actuator 442 which can beused to urge the deployable wings 428, 430 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) tobe deployed. FIG. 5A illustrates the implant 402 with the wings 428, 430deployed to engage tissue therebetween. FIG. 5B additionally illustratesthat a proximal end of the anchor portion 410 can have a mating feature444 for engaging a distal end 446 (FIG. 4C) of the actuator 442 or otherinstrument.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, an inner shaft of the implantcan include a tether portion having one or more tethers extendingbetween a prosthetic valve portion and an anchor portion. The tetherportion can be coupled to the anchor portion using a tether lock orclamp which can be any locking element. A proximal end of one or moretethers can be retracted proximal to the proximal end of the anchorportion prior to coupling the tethers to the anchor portion using thetether lock. In some embodiments, the tether portion is formed from anabsorbable or non-absorbable material, such as, for example, suture. Thetether portion can be formed from a suitable metal material and can be awire suture (e.g., a metal suture). One skilled in the art willappreciate that the tether portion can include any number of tethersformed from any suitable material(s).

FIGS. 5C-5H illustrate examples of implants and a method of their use inaccordance with embodiments in which the inner shaft is formed by one ormore tethers.

FIGS. 5C to 5F illustrate a system 500 for repairing a heart valve inaccordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5C, the system 500may include an implant 502 and an outer shaft 504 which can define alumen extending therethrough configured to slidably receive the implant502 therein. Similar to outer shaft 104 (FIG. 1A), the outer shaft 504can be a part of an introducer assembly configured to deliver theimplant 502 into the heart.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the implant 502 can include a prosthetic valveportion 506, a tether portion 508, and an anchor portion 510. Theprosthetic valve portion 506 can be coupled at a proximal end 505thereof to a distal end 512 of the tether portion 508, and the anchorportion 510 can be coupled to a proximal end 514 of the tether portion508.

As shown in FIG. 5E, which illustrates the prosthetic valve portion 506in a deployed or expanded configuration, the valve portion 506 can havea valve body 527 including an expandable/collapsible frame. The frame527 can be similar to valve body or expandable/collapsible frame 427shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. Further, similar to valve body 427, the prostheticvalve portion 506 can have a positioning member 536 configured as a ringand/or multiple elements or segments circumferentially coupled to adistal portion of and/or being integrally formed with the valve body 527so that they can conform to the geometry of a native heart halve. Itshould be appreciated that the valve portion 506 can have any number ofelements having any suitable configuration(s).

FIG. 5E shows that the anchor portion 510 can include distal, middle,and proximal portions 522, 524, 526. The distal and proximal portions522, 526 of the anchor portion 510 can be configured to expand to formdeployable wings 528, 530 shown in FIGS. 5C, 5D, and 5F. The deployedwings 528, 530 can be maintained in the expanded configuration until theanchor portion 510 is manipulated to cause the wings 528, 530 tocollapse to the undeployed configuration. It should be appreciated thatthe implant 502 can include any other components not shown herein thatare configured such that the anchor portion 510 can reversibly form thewings 528, 530.

As shown in FIGS. 5C-5F by way of a non-limiting example, the tetherportion 508 can include one or more tethers 509 extending between theprosthetic valve portion 506 and the anchor portion 510. The tethers 509can extend between the prosthetic valve portion 506 and the anchorportion 510 so that they also extend through the anchor portion 510 andprotrude beyond the proximal end 532 b of the anchor portion 510. FIGS.5D and 5F illustrate proximal ends 511 of the tethers 509 extending fromthe proximal end 532 b of the anchor portion 510.

As shown in FIG. 5E, the tethers 509 can be coupled to the prostheticvalve portion 506 at respective attachment points 516A, 516B, 516C,which can be done in any suitable manner. For example, the tethers 509can be passed through one or more openings or apertures formed in thestructural elements of the valve portion 506. In one exemplaryembodiment, the tethers 509 can be integrally formed with the valveportion 506. Additionally or alternatively, the valve portion 506 canclamp the tether 509, and/or any retaining feature can be used to attachthe tethers 509 to the prosthetic valve portion 506. It should beappreciated that three tethers 509 are shown in FIGS. 5C-5F as anexample only, as the tether portion 508 can include any number oftethers (e.g., one, two, four, or more) that can be attached to theprosthetic valve portion 506 in any suitable manner.

The tether portion 508 can be formed from one or more absorbable ornon-absorbable sutures (or any combination thereof) extending betweenthe prosthetic valve portion 506 and the anchor portion 510. Thus, thetethers 509 can be flexible and/or elastic so that they can be tensionedat the distance between the prosthetic valve portion 506 and the anchorportion 510 is adjusted. Furthermore, the flexible and/or elastic natureof the tethers 509 can provide flexibility in the position of the valveportion 506 as the heart contracts and relaxes, so that the valveportion 506 can mimic the function of a native heart valve.

The tethers 509 can be retained in the implant 502 in a number of ways.In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5C-5F, the anchorportion 510 can be coupled to or can include at the proximal end 532 bthereof a tether lock 513 configured to reversibly lock the tethers 509therein. The tether lock 513 can be a clamp or any other deviceconfigured to reversibly retain the tethers 509 in a fixed position.Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, the implant 502 caninclude a tether lock that is recessed into a body of the anchor portion510 so that the lock does not protrude into the pericardial space.

In use, after the implant 502 is delivered transapically to the heartthrough outer shaft 504 of the introducer assembly, the prosthetic valveportion 506 can move from the undeployed or collapsed configuration(e.g., shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D) to a deployed or expanded configuration(e.g., shown in FIGS. 5E and 5F). The prosthetic valve portion 506 canbe seated within the opening of a valve (e.g., a mitral valve) such thatthe valve body 527 is suspended off the tip of the mitral valve. Theproximal end 532 b of the anchor portion 510 can be mated with anactuator 534 (FIG. 5E) which can be used to manipulate the anchorportion 510 to cause the deployable distal and proximal wings 528, 530to expand, as shown in FIG. 5F, to thereby anchor the implant 502 withinthe apex of the heart.

In some embodiments, prior to or after deploying the wings 528, 530, alength of the tether portion 508 can be adjusted. The adjustment can bemade at any time point following the placement of the implant 502. Forexample, the actuator 534 (FIG. 5E) or any other suitable instrument canbe mated to the tether lock 513 at the proximal end 532 b and used toadjust the length of the tethers 509 so that the distance between theprosthetic valve portion 506 and the anchor portion 510 is adjusted toensure a proper position of the valve portion 506 within a naturalvalve. In this way, the position of the prosthetic valve portion 506 inan expanded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5E and 5F, can be adjusted.Additionally, in some embodiments, the prosthetic valve portion 506and/or other portion(s) of the implant 502 can be rotated to adjust theposition of the prosthetic valve portion 506.

The length of the tether portion 508 can be adjusted in any suitablemanner. For example, an actuator, which can be any suitable adjustmenttool configured to mate with the proximal end of the anchor portion 510,can be used to release a locking mechanism of the tether lock 513. Inthis way, one or more of the tethers 509 can be released to increase thelength of the tether portion 508, or retracted (e.g., by being pulled)proximally to decrease the length of the tether portion 508. All of thetethers 509 can be adjustable together or one or more of the tethers 509can be manipulated and adjusted separately from the other tethers of thetether portion 508, for example, to adjust a position of the prostheticvalve portion 506 within a natural heart valve.

It should be appreciated that the locking mechanism of the tether lock513 can be manipulated in any suitable manner to adjust the length ofthe tether portion 508. After a desirable adjustment is complete, thetether lock 513 can be manipulated to lock the tethers 509 at the fixedposition.

After the adjustment is complete, the actuator 534 can be removed, asshown in FIG. 5F. It should be appreciated that any portion of thetethers 509 can extend beyond the anchor 510 as the proximal portion510, and, in some cases, some or all of the tethers 509 may not protrudebeyond the proximal end 532 b of the anchor portion 510.

FIGS. 5G and 5H illustrate other exemplary embodiments of an implanthaving an adjustable tether portion. In the exemplary embodiment of animplant 502′ shown in FIG. 5G, a tether portion 508′ has first andsecond portions 517, 519 formed from a flexible suture. The first,distal, portion 517 is attached to a prosthetic valve portion 506′,whereas the second, proximal, portion 519 is slidably attached to ananchor portion 510′. As shown in FIG. 5G, the first and second portions517, 519 can loop through each other at a junction 520. Proximal ends511′ of the tethers of the second portion 519 can extend through theanchor portion 510′ and protrude beyond the proximal end thereof.Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5C-5F, the distance between theprosthetic valve portion 506′ and the anchor portion 510′ can beadjusted by manipulating a tether lock 513′.

In use, because the first and second portions 517, 519 can sliderelative to each other at the junction 520, this loop arrangement of theportions 517, 519 allows the prosthetic valve portion 506′ to swivel inany direction without disturbing the orientation of the anchor portion510′ (e.g., after its proximal and distal wings are deployed).

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5G, the first and second portions517, 519 each form one loop. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatany number of loops can be included in the first and second portions ofthe tether portion. For example, FIG. 5H shows an implant 502″ having atether portion 508″ which is similar to the tether portion 508′ of theimplant 502′ in FIG. 5G. A first portion 517″of the tether portion 508″includes two loops 515A, 515B. As shown in FIG. 5H, the first portion517″ is coupled to a second portion 519″ of the tether portion 508″ at ajunction 520″. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5G, proximal ends 511″of the tethers of the second portion 519″ can extend through the anchorportion 510″ and protrude beyond the proximal end thereof. The distancebetween the prosthetic valve portion 506″ and the anchor portion 510″can be adjusted by manipulating a tether lock 513″ to adjust the lengthof the tether portion 508″.

It should be appreciated that the implants in the embodiments describedin connection with FIGS. 5C-5H can include any other components that canadditionally or alternatively be used to adjust a position of aprosthetic valve within a natural heart valve. For example, in someembodiments, the tether portion of the implant can be used to manipulatethe tethers to rotate the prosthetic valve or otherwise adjust itsposition. Furthermore, the tether locks 513, 513′, 513″ are shown by wayof example only, as any other mechanism can be used to adjust thedistance between the prosthetic and anchor portions.

Regardless of the particular configuration of an inner shaft and atether portion that can extend between a prosthetic valve portion and ananchor portion, an actuator tool (e.g., the tool 134, 442, 534, or othersuitable instrument) can be used to manipulate an implant (e.g., theimplant 402, 502, 502′, or 502″) such that a distance between theprosthetic valve portion and the anchor portion is adjusted.Additionally or alternatively, the actuator or other suitable instrumentcan be used to rotate the entire implant or a portion thereof (e.g., theprosthetic valve portion). The actuator or other device that can becoupled to the anchor portion can be inserted percutaneously.Fluoroscopy or other suitable technique can be used to guide theadjustment process.

FIGS. 6A to 6J illustrate a method for repairing a heart valve of apatient using the exemplary system 100 described above in connectionwith FIGS. 1-3. Cross-sectional views of a patient's heart 602 are shownin FIGS. 6A-6J.

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a heart having a mitralvalve 604 positioned between a left ventricle 606 and a left atrium 608.The mitral valve 604, which includes leaflets 610, 612, may becomediseased such that it does not close properly when the heart 602 pumpsout blood. In such condition, when the left ventricle 606 contracts, theblood leaks back (regurgitates) from the left ventricle 606, through themitral valve 604, into the left atrium 608 in a direction shown by anarrow 603 in FIG. 6A. The mitral valve 604 can also have other defectswhich can be mitigated using the techniques described herein.

The system 100, which may be used to repair the regurgitated mitralvalve 604, can include an introducer assembly 614 having an outer shaft104 (also shown in FIG. 1A) having proximal and distal ends 616, 618. Asshown in FIG. 6A, the outer shaft 104 (a portion of which is shown inFIG. 6A) may be introduced into the left ventricle 606 through an apex601 of the heart 602 at an implantation site 607. The introducerassembly 614 can be manipulated to insert and advance the outer shaft104 towards the left atrium 608 using, for example, a catheter system,or any other system.

The outer shaft 104, introduced through the apex 601, can be distallyadvanced further towards the left atrium 608. In this way, the shaft 104can be manipulated to pass through an opening 605 of the mitral valve604 until the distal end 618 of the outer shaft 104 is positioned withinthe left atrium 608, as shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6B illustrates that thedistal end 618 can protrude above the opening 605 of the mitral valve604. It should be appreciated that the outer shaft 104 can protrude intothe left atrium 608 to any suitable distance, which allows theprosthetic valve to be deployed within the atrium.

In some embodiments, an implant can be delivered to the patient's heartthrough the outer shaft 104. The outer shaft 104 can have a lumendefined therein that can receive various components therethrough. Theimplant in accordance with some embodiments, such as the implant 102 inFIGS. 1-3, can be configured such that it can be removably inserted intothe outer shaft 104 through its proximal end 616 and passed through thelumen of the outer shaft 104 towards the left atrium 608. The implant102 can be passed through the outer shaft 104 such that its forward end103 enters and exits the outer shaft 104 first. As shown in FIGS. 1A and1B, the implant 102 can be configured such that it can be collapsed, orfolded, and it can be inserted through the outer shaft 104 in thisunexpanded configuration.

Accordingly, as a result of advancing the implant 102 through the outershaft 104, the prosthetic valve 106 located on the distal end of theimplant 102 can be advanced in the undeployed configuration from thedistal end 618 of the outer shaft 104 into the left atrial space, asshown in FIG. 6C. The prosthetic valve 106 can be coupled to the distalend 112 of the inner shaft 108 inserted through the outer shaft 104, aportion of which is shown protruding from the outer shaft 104 in FIG.6C. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve 106 can be integrallyformed with the inner shaft 108.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the prosthetic valve 106 can be deployed such thatit moves from the undeployed configuration to the deployed configurationand its valve body 202 and positioning members 204A, 204B (shown inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 3) are unfolded or expanded. Any suitable mechanism canbe used to unfold the prosthetic valve 106. For example, the prostheticvalve 106 can operate like a spring-loaded umbrella that unfolds whenactuated. However, other mechanisms can be used additionally oralternatively.

FIG. 6D illustrates that, prior to deployment of the prosthetic valve106, the outer shaft 104 can be retracted from the left atrium 608 suchthat the distal end 618 thereof is positioned in the opening 605 of themitral valve 604 between the leaflets 610 and 612. It should beappreciated that the described techniques are not limited to a specificposition of the distal end 618 of the outer shaft 104, as the outershaft 104 can be positioned differently depending on specifics of thepatient's heart anatomy, the configuration of the prosthetic valve, andother factors.

FIG. 6D shows that the deployed prosthetic valve 106 can be initiallypositioned within the left atrium 608 such that its positioning members204A, 204B are disposed within the left atrium 608 at a distance fromthe annulus 620 of the mitral valve 604. Next, the implant 102 can bemanipulated such that the position of the prosthetic valve 106 withrespect to the mitral valve 604 is adjusted to ensure proper positioningof the prosthetic valve 106. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6E, the outer shaft104 carrying the implant 102 can be retracted from the left atrium 608to the left ventricle 606. In this way, the prosthetic valve 106 can bemoved proximally towards the mitral annulus 620 so that the positioningmembers 204A, 204B are disposed on opposite sides of the opening 605 ofthe mitral valve 604 and the valve body 202 is suspended within theopening 605. FIG. 6E shows that the leaflets 206A, 206B of theprosthetic valve 106 are positioned within the opening 605 of the mitralvalve 604 between the native leaflets 610, 612.

The positioning members 204A, 204B can engage tissue of the mitralannulus 620 without penetrating therethrough. For example, thepositioning members 204A, 204B, which may be at least partiallyflexible, can have a shape that allows them to frictionally engage thetissue of the mitral annulus. The positioning members 204A, 204B canthereby engage the tissue of the mitral annulus such that the valve body202 is seated within the opening of the mitral valve 604. Thepositioning members 204A, 204B can be configured to engage tissue suchthat they resist dislodgment forces from the cardiac muscles and do notcause excessive disturbance to the tissue of the mitral annulus. Asanother advantageous characteristic of the described techniques, theprosthetic valve can be configured and deployed such that a risk of aleft ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction can be reduced oreliminated, and the left ventricular (LV) function can be preserved.Accordingly, the risk of clotting can be reduced or eliminated.

In some embodiments, the location of the prosthetic valve 106 can bedetermined using suitable markers, such as, for example, one or more ofthe radiopaque markers 210A, 210B, 212A, 212B, and 213 shown in FIG. 3.The markers can be tracked using a suitable imaging technique and canthus be used to guide a surgeon when the implant 102 is delivered,deployed, adjusted, and/or removed.

As shown in FIG. 6F, after the prosthetic valve 106 is suspended withinthe opening 605 of the mitral valve 604, the outer shaft 104 can beretracted proximally towards the apex 601 of the heart 602 such that aportion of the inner shaft 108 can be exposed within the left ventricle606. As discussed above, the inner shaft 108 can include distal, middle,and proximal portions 116, 118, 120. As the outer shaft 104 is retractedfurther towards the apex 601 such that it is eventually completelyretracted from the left ventricle 606, as shown in FIG. 6G, the anchorportion 110 of the implant 102 can also be exposed. As shown in FIG. 6G,the implant 102 can be delivered to the heart 602 such that the anchorportion 110 can be positioned within the apex 601. As also shown in FIG.1B, the anchor portion 110 can include distal, middle, and proximalportions 122, 124, 126.

As shown in FIG. 6G, a proximal end 622 of the anchor 110 is coupled(e.g., slidably or in other manner) to the distal end 618 of the outershaft 104. The proximal end 622 is mated with an actuator, such as theactuator 442, (not shown), which can be used to manipulate the anchor110 to cause it to deploy the deployable distal and proximal wings 128,130 (FIGS. 1B and 2B) to thereby anchor the implant 102 within the apexof the heart. In this way, as shown in FIG. 6H, the distal portion 122of the anchor 110 can first be expanded to form the distal wings 128.The proximal portion 126 of the anchor 110 can then be expanded to formthe proximal wings 130, as shown in FIG. 6I. It should be appreciatedthat the distal wings 128 are shown to be deployed prior to deployingthe proximal wings 130 by way of example only, and, in some embodiments,the proximal wings 130 can be deployed before the distal wings 128 aredeployed. Also, in some embodiments, the distal and proximal wings 128,130 can be deployed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

In some embodiments, prior to or after deploying the wings 128, 130, alength of the inner shaft 108 can be adjusted. The distal and middleportions 116, 118 of the inner shaft 108 can be configured to slidewithin each other. For example, the middle portion 118 can slide overthe distal portion 116 to receive at least part of the distal portion116 therein and reversibly lock in that configuration. In this way, thecombined length of the middle and distal portions 116, 118 can bechanged to thereby allow the length of the inner shaft 108 to bechanged. Additionally, in some embodiments, the proximal portion 120 ofthe inner shaft 108 can be configured to receive a portion of the middleportion 118. After the length of the inner shaft 108 of the implant 102is adjusted as desired, the implant 102 can be affixed within the apexof the heart.

The middle portion 124 of the anchor 110 can be positioned in tissue ofthe apex 601 and the wings 128, 130 can engage the tissue therebetween.The middle portion 124 can have a fixed length or, in some cases, thelength of the middle portion 124 can be adjustable such that the middleportion 124 can traverse tissue walls having different thickness. FIG.6I illustrates that the distal and proximal wings 128, 130 arepositioned within tissue of the apex 601 of the heart 602. However, insome embodiments, the wings 128, 130 can be positioned at opposite sidesof the apex wall, as the embodiments described herein are not limited toa specific way in which the deployable wings 128, 130 are positioned toanchor the implant 102 to the apex of the heart. In some embodiments,the distal wings 128 can be deployed against the wall of the apex of theheart and the proximal wings 130 can be deployed within the tissue. Inother embodiments, the proximal wings 130 can be deployed against thewall of the apex of the heart and the distal wings 128 can be deployedwithin the tissue. In both of the above cases, the distal wings 128 canbe deployed before, after, or simultaneously with deploying the proximalwings 130, as the described techniques are not limited in this respect.

Regardless of the manner and specific locations at which the distal andproximal wings 128, 130 are deployed, after the wings 128, 130 aredeployed, the outer shaft 104 including suitable actuator tool(s) usedto deploy the prosthetic valve 106 and the anchor 110 can then beremoved from the implantation site such that the implant 102 having theprosthetic valve 106 suspended in the mitral valve is anchored withinthe apex of the heart, as shown in FIG. 6J.

Accordingly, the implant 102 can be removably deployed within the heartin a simple and cost-effective manner. The transapical delivery of theimplant allows simplifying the surgical procedure and can lead toreducing trauma to the patient. An open heart surgery and the relianceon a cardiac bypass system can be avoided. The implant can be anchoredin the apex of the heart without using sutures, purse strings or otheradditional attachment features. The site of the insertion of the implantcan be closed in a clean manner, and a blood loss can be decreased.

In some embodiments, after the implant is anchored in the apex of theheart and the prosthetic valve is suspended off the annulus of a heartvalve (e.g., a mitral valve), the distance between the prosthetic valveand the anchor can be adjusted. The anchor can be configured such that aproximal end thereof can receive a suitable adjustment tool which canthen be used to adjust a length of the inner shaft to thereby adjust theposition of the prosthetic valve within the mitral valve. In someembodiments, additionally or alternatively, the prosthetic valve only orthe entire implant can be rotated while the implant is deployed.

In embodiments where one or more tethers can be used to couple theprosthetic valve portion to the anchor portion (e.g., as shown in FIGS.5C-5H), a suitable adjustment tool can mate with the proximal end of theanchor portion and can be used to unlock the tether clamp to therebyadjust the position of the prosthetic valve within the heart valve(e.g., the mitral valve). When the adjustment is complete, the tetherclamp can be manipulated to lock the tether to the anchor portion.

The implant can be adjusted to correct for a variety of conditions, andthe adjustment can be made at any time point following the placement ofthe implant. For example, in cases when any part of the implant migratesfrom its position such that blood flows through a space between astructure of the implanted valve and cardiac tissue (e.g., aparavalvular leak occurs), the implant may need to be readjusted. Thedescribed techniques can allow treating the paravalvular leak or otherconditions after the implant has been delivered into the heart. Theimplant can be adjusted (e.g., by adjusting the distance between theprosthetic valve and the anchor portion and/or rotating the implant or aportion thereof), or it can be completely removed which may be followedby a replacement of the prosthetic valve. Accordingly, the describedtechniques can provide a simplified and repeatable prosthetic valveimplantation procedure which can reduce trauma to tissue and decreaserisks associated with open heart surgery.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate that an adjustment tool 702 can be mated withthe anchor 110 at the proximal end 132 of thereof. The adjustment tool702 can be a screw driver or any other suitable tool. The screw drivercan have a hollow shaft. A distal end of the adjustment tool 702 can beinserted into the anchor 110 and the adjustment tool 702 can be used toadjust the length of the inner shaft 108 to thereby raise or lower theprosthetic valve 106 relative to the mitral valve 604 to adjust aposition of the implant during the movement of the mitral valve 604 uponbeating of the heart.

In embodiments including a tether portion configured to adjust adistance between the prosthetic valve and anchor portions (e.g.,embodiments shown in FIGS. 5C-5H), the adjustment tool 702 can be placedover one or more tethers extending beyond the proximal end of the anchorportion and the tool 702 can be used to manipulate a locking portion(e.g., the tether lock 513) configured to reversibly retain thetether(s). In this way, the distance between the prosthetic valveportion and the anchor portion can be adjusted.

As discussed above, the implant in accordance with some embodiments canbe removed from the implantation site in a simple, time-efficient, andnon-invasive manner. Following the removal, another implant can beinserted to the site of the deficient native valve, for example, when animplant needs to be positioned differently, a different type of animplant is desired, or for any other reasons. Accordingly, the implantplacement procedure in accordance with some embodiments can berepeatable without causing trauma to the cardiac tissue.

FIGS. 8A to 8F illustrate a reverse process of removing the implant 102delivered and deployed as shown in connection with FIGS. 6A-6J. FIG. 8Ashows that a reversal tool 802, which can be any suitable instrument,can be mated with the proximal end 132 of the deployed implant 102. Thetool 802 can be any suitable instrument and can be locked into positionwhen inserted through the proximal end 132 to move the deployed wings128, 130 from the expanded configuration to the unexpandedconfiguration. In FIG. 8B, the anchor 110 is shown with the wings 128,130 collapsed, such that distal and proximal portions 122, 126 of theanchor 110 are shown in a pre-deployed configuration, without the wingsformed. Next, as also shown in FIG. 8B, the outer shaft 104 can beinserted over the reversal tool 802 and advanced distally over theimplant 102 having the wings 128, 130 collapsed, towards the left atrium608. The outer shaft 104 can be advanced into the left ventricle 606until the distal end 618 thereof is located in proximity to the proximalend 105 of the prosthetic valve 106, as shown in FIG. 8C. In someembodiments, as shown in this example, the outer shaft 104 can beadvanced distally until only the distal end 112 of the inner shaft 108is exposed.

FIG. 8D demonstrates that the outer shaft 104 can be inserted furthersuch that its distal end 618 is positioned within the left atrium 608.The prosthetic valve 106 can then be collapsed in a suitable manner. Forexample, in one embodiment, the prosthetic valve portion 106 can bepulled proximally or otherwise manipulated which causes the positioningmembers 204A, 204B and leaflets 206A, 206A to collapse like a reverseumbrella. In this way, the prosthetic valve 106 can move from theexpanded configuration to the unexpanded configuration in which thevalve 106 is compressed and can fit into the outer shaft 104 forremoval. It should be appreciated that the mechanism of collapsing theprosthetic valve 106 is shown by way of example only, as the prostheticvalve 106 can have any other structure which can allow the valve toexpand/collapse in any suitable manner.

After the prosthetic valve 106 is collapsed, the implant 102 can beremoved from the implantation site through the outer shaft 104 (e.g.,using the reversal tool 802 or other instrument). Thus, FIG. 8E shows across-section of the heart 602 where the prosthetic valve 106 has beenpulled into the outer shaft 104 and only the outer shaft 104 is visible.

After the implant 102 is removed from the left atrium 608 through theouter shaft 104, the outer shaft 104 can be moved further from the leftatrium 608 through the mitral valve 604 into the left ventricle 606.While still being located within the left ventricle 606, the outer shaft104 can be positioned such that its distal end 618 extends above theapex 601 of the heart 602, as shown in FIG. 8F. In some embodiments, theouter shaft 104 can be completely removed from the implantation site.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the site 607 of implantation of theimplant 102 can then be closed, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9E.

FIG. 9A shows that an additional implant, referred to herein as aclosure implant or closure device 904, can be introduced through theouter shaft 104, advanced distally through the lumen of the shaft 104,and released from the distal end 618 of the shaft 104. The closuredevice 904 can be configured similarly to the anchor portion 110 or inany other suitable manner.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9E, the closure implant 904 can includeproximal, middle, and distal portions 906, 908, 910, and the proximaland distal portions 906, 910 can be configured to expand to formproximal and distal deployable wings 912, 914, both shown in FIGS. 9Dand 9E. The proximal and distal deployable wings 912, 914 can bedeployed to engage tissue therebetween and to thereby seal the hole inthe apical tissue at the implantation site 607 created by the implant102.

While the distal end 618 of the outer shaft 104 is positioned within theleft ventricle 606, a suitable actuator tool that can be receivedthrough the outer shaft 104, which can be the same or different from thereversal tool 802, can be used to deploy the distal wings 914 of theclosure implant 904, as shown in FIG. 9B. The outer shaft 104 can thenbe pulled proximally towards the apex 601 of the heart 602 such that itentirely or partially exits the apex 601, as shown in FIG. 9C. Thismovement of the outer shaft 104 can bring the closure implant 904 inproximity to the apex 601 and the closure implant 904 having the distalwings 914 deployed can be positioned within tissue of the apex 601 asshown by way of example in FIG. 9D. However, it should be appreciatedthat, in some embodiments, the distal wings 914 can be positioned in theleft ventricle 606 outside of the wall of the apex 601 and the middleportion 908 can span the apical wall. Furthermore, in some cases, thedistal wings 914 can be deployed after the closure implant 904 isinserted at least partially within the apex 601 in a ready-to-deployposition.

FIG. 9D shows that after the distal wings 914 are deployed, the proximalwings 912 can be deployed to engage tissue between the wings 912, 914.In this way, the puncture in the apical wall created by the implant 102can be sealed. Following the completion of the deployment of the closureimplant 904, the outer shaft 104 can be separated from the closureimplant 904 and removed, as shown in FIG. 9E.

The implant in accordance with the described techniques can include aprosthetic valve having any suitable configuration that allows theprosthetic valve to have an unexpanded, or collapsed, configuration fordelivery and removal to/from a heart valve and an expanded configurationadopted when the prosthetic valve is deployed within the deficient heartvalve.

Depending on its structure, the prosthetic valve can alternatively oradditionally be described as configured to be able to move betweenfolded and unfolded configurations. The structure of the prostheticvalve can be selected based on an anatomic environment of a naturalvalve to be repaired or replaced, patient's characteristics, and/or anyother factors.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heart 602 illustrating theimplant 402 of FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A, and 5B transapically delivered to theheart 602 to repair or replace the mitral valve 604. The implant 402 canbe deployed within the heart 602 as shown in FIG. 10 removably andreplaceably. The implant 402 can have the inner shaft 408 and anchorportion 410 similar to the inner shaft 108 and anchor portion 110 of theimplant 102 (shown in a fully deployed configuration in FIG. 6J).However, the implant 402 can also have a prosthetic valve portion 406configured as an expandable/collapsible wire frame (e.g., a woven wireor other flexible structure). In some embodiments, the prosthetic valveportion 406 can include an insert and lines one or more portions of thevalve portion 106 and is configured to provide a seal against theopening of the natural valve or other body opening into which theprosthetic valve portion 406 is inserted. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the expandable/collapsible wire frame can be coupled to theanchor portion 410 by a suture/tether, for example, as shown in FIGS.5C-5H.

The prosthetic valve portion 406 can be configured to self-expand uponbeing released from an introducer assembly (e.g., the outer shaft 104,not shown in FIG. 10) used to deliver the implant 402 to the mitralvalve 604. As shown in FIG. 10, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can beseated within the opening of the mitral valve 604 such that thepositioning member 436, shaped in this example as anexpandable/collapsible ring, is configured to engage the tissue of themitral annulus 620 to suspend the valve body 427 off the tip of themitral valve 604. The distal and proximal portions 422, 426 of theanchor portion 410 are configured to expand to form deployable wings428, 430 to anchor the implant 402 to the apex 601, as shown in FIG. 10.In some cases, a proximal end 1002 of the implant 402 can be located inthe pericardial space. The proximal end 1002 can be accessed to adjustthe distance between the prosthetic valve and the anchor portion affixedto the apex by adjusting a length of the inner shaft 408 or one or moretethers, such as suture tether(s).

After being deployed, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can expand andcontract to thereby assist in proper operation of the mitral valve 604.Accordingly, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can be configured tooperate so as to eliminate mitral regurgitation during systole.Furthermore, the prosthetic valve portion 406 can operate withoutimpeding the blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricleduring diastole. After the implant 402 is deployed, it can bemanipulated such that a distance between the prosthetic valve portion406 and the anchor portion 410 is adjusted and/or the implant 402 or aportion thereof is rotated.

In embodiments in which the implant includes a tether portion extendingbetween the prosthetic valve portion and the anchor portion (e.g.,implant 502, 502′, or 502″ in FIGS. 5C-5H), the distance between theprosthetic valve portion and the anchor portion can be adjusted byadjusting a length of one or more tethers of the tether portion. Theadjustment can be performed at any time point following the implantation(e.g., to adjust the position of the implant after it migrates from anappropriate location), and can also be performed during the placement ofthe implant. In some cases, the adjustment can decrease or eliminateparavalvular leaks and can treat any other conditions that can be causedby an improper positioning of the implant. FIG. 5B illustrates themating component 444 (e.g., the distal end 446 of the actuator 442 inFIG. 4C) for engaging a suitable adjustment tool used to adjust thedeployed implant 402. The implant 402 can be accessed for adjustmentpercutaneously and the adjustment process can be guided using a suitablenon-invasive technique, such as, for example, fluoroscopy.

It should be appreciated that although illustrated embodiments providetechniques for repairing or replacing a mitral valve, the techniques canbe adapted for repairing or replacing other heart valves as well, or fortreating any other conditions. For example, a tricuspid valve or anaortic valve can be repaired using an implant in accordance with someembodiments. Also, a left atrial appendage may be repaired using animplant in accordance with some embodiments. As another example, anenlarged ventricle may be reduced in volume using an implant inaccordance with some embodiments, and/or a flail valve leaflet may berepaired using an implant in accordance with some embodiments.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantagesof the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly,the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shownand described, except as indicated by the appended claims. Allpublications and references cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of repairing a mitral valve, comprising:advancing an outer shaft of an introducer assembly through an apex of aheart into an atrium of the heart; deploying a prosthetic valve portionof an implant from the outer shaft in the atrium to cause the prostheticvalve portion to move from an unexpanded configuration to an expandedconfiguration such that at least a portion of the prosthetic valveportion is disposed within an opening of a mitral valve; retracting theouter shaft from the atrium towards the apex of the heart to expose atleast one tether coupled to the implant; applying tension to the atleast one tether; and removably affixing an anchor to the heart andactuating a lock to reversibly lock the anchor along the at least onetether such that the at least one tether maintains a distance betweenthe prosthetic valve portion and the anchor.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein applying tension to the at least one tether comprises adjustingthe distance between the prosthetic valve portion and the anchorsubsequent to deployment of the prosthetic valve portion.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the tether is flexible such that the distancechanges as the prosthetic valve portion moves during contraction andrelaxation of the heart.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein actuating thelock comprises coupling an actuator to the anchor and actuating theactuator.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the lock is accessedpercutaneously.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, afteractuating the lock to reversibly lock the anchor, releasing the lock andadjusting the at least one tether relative to the anchor to adjust thedistance between the prosthetic valve portion and the anchor.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein deploying the prosthetic valve portion causesat least one positioning member on the prosthetic valve portion to bedisposed around the opening of the mitral valve to suspend theprosthetic valve portion within the opening.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the prosthetic valve portion includes an expandable frame, andwherein at least one positioning member on the prosthetic valve portioncomprises an expandable ring circumferentially disposed at an end of theexpandable frame.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdetermining a position of the prosthetic valve portion using at leastone radiopaque marker associated with the prosthetic valve portion. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein removably affixing the anchor to theheart comprises deploying proximal and distal deployable wings on theanchor portion such that the distal wings are deployed against a wall ofthe apex.
 11. A method of repairing a heart valve, comprising:delivering an outer shaft of an introducer assembly through an apex of aheart to position a distal end of the outer shaft within an atrium ofthe heart; deploying a prosthetic valve from the distal end of the outershaft such that the prosthetic valve moves from an unexpandedconfiguration to an expanded configuration, at least a portion of theprosthetic valve being disposed within an opening of a heart valve;retracting the outer shaft from the atrium towards the apex of the heartto thereby expose at least one tether coupled to the prosthetic valveand extending through the outer shaft; deploying an anchor at leastpartially within the apex of the heart; and reversibly locking theanchor relative to the at least one tether to maintain a distancebetween the prosthetic valve and the anchor.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising, prior to reversibly locking the anchor, applyingtension to the at least one tether to adjust the distance between theprosthetic valve and the anchor.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein thetether is flexible such that the distance changes as the prostheticvalve moves during contraction and relaxation of the heart.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein deploying the anchor comprises removablyaffixing the anchor to the heart by deploying proximal and distaldeployable wings such that the distal wings are deployed against a wallof the apex.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein deploying theprosthetic valve causes at least one positioning member on theprosthetic valve to be disposed around the opening of the heart valve tosuspend the prosthetic valve within the opening.
 16. The method of claim11, wherein the heart valve comprises a mitral valve.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the prosthetic valve includes an expandable frame, andwherein at least one positioning member on the prosthetic valvecomprises an expandable ring circumferentially disposed at an end of theexpandable frame.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprisingdetermining a position of the prosthetic valve using at least oneradiopaque marker associated with the prosthetic valve.